Malcolm Sheppard

A more narrow, less over the top game about modern magic than its predecessor. Magic is slightly more defined, making it easier for the game master. On the other hand, it has an unworkable society and a highly rigid magical structure. Not bad, but could have been much better.

This is the main book for the newer Mage the Awakening RPG. It took me quite a while to get through it but I did find it interesting and it seems to be a very well thought out game. There is a lot to absorb and overall I'm pretty impressed with the effort that went into the revision. It stands heads above the previous version of the Mage the Ascension and has the ability to encourage a lot of nuance for the games.

Excellent. It is mildly annoying that all Asian culture seems to have been forced together. However, such is the limits of creating a role-playing game and trying to keep everyone happy.

They managed to improve the old Mage game. It still has hints of the things I loved most about Mage the Ascension but is much more streamlined.